Discusses the value of support during challenges to library media materials and describes studies that show that, when assistance was received from either within or outside the district, challenged material was more likely to be retained. Considers reasons why library media specialists choose not to seek professional support. (LRW)

Provides an introduction to this issue focusing on the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services and summarizes five articles which cover topics relating to library and information services for children and young adults. (MES)

Reviews the literature in library and information science to identify factors that influence the outcome of challenges to school library materials. A conceptual model is developed that encompasses district selection policy, librarian characteristics, school environment, community environment, and initiator of the challenge, and tentative…

Summarizes the results of a national study of library media material challenges in secondary public school libraries that was conducted during the 1989-90 school year. Factors that influence whether challenges to library media materials resulted in retention, restriction, or removal of materials are identified. (LRW)

Discusses recommendations concerning library services to children and youth that were presented at the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services, including grants for school library media programs; grants for public libraries for both children and young adult services; and partnerships between school and public libraries.…

Reports findings of a 1988 study on intellectual freedom in media centers in Wisconsin. General status information and factors influencing challenge outcomes are discussed. Data on materials selection policy, media specialist characteristics, complaints, and roles of those involved in challenges are presented. The appendix describes the…

Reports on the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. Highlights include conference delegates; an initiative providing recommendations for priority actions in the context of the Omnibus Children and Youth Literacy through Libraries Act, including school library services and public library children's and young adult…

Highlights the strategies of the American Association of School Librarians, the Association for Library Service to Children, and the Young Adult Library Services Association that led to a national focus on the library and information needs of youth at the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. (five references) (MES)

Four primary tasks were conducted for this two-phase study, which examined the outcomes to challenged library materials in terms of retention, restriction, and removal, and identified key factors that influenced the outcome: (1) the relevant research literature was reexamined and a conceptual model for testing based on the research literature was…

Discussion of school library media specialist's involvement in reconsideration of materials from library media collection focuses on what media specialist should bring to complaint situation (school board-approved materials selection policy, training and experience, knowledge of available resources in intellectual freedom) and reconsideration…

Reports the results of a case study of three elementary school library media centers (LMCs) that investigated the degree to which LMCs contribute to students' development of positive self-concepts. The relationship between self-concept and academic achievement is discussed, and research methodologies including interviews, observations, and written…

This survey of public secondary schools examined factors that affected the outcome (i.e., retention, restriction, or removal) of censorship challenges to library materials. Factors found to influence outcome included oral versus written challenges, materials selection policy use, school environment, community environment, and media specialist…

Considers characteristics of successful school library media programs based on information from surveys of schools that participated in the national Library Power initiative. Discusses the importance of shared vision, professional development, planning opportunities, leadership from the principal, support staff, complementary school reforms, and…

This document presents the executive summary of an evaluation of Library Power, a program of the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund to enhance and elevate the role of libraries in public schools. The report begins with an examination of Library Power's core components (collection development, facilities refurbishing, flexible scheduling,…

Discusses the formulation and findings of a nationwide survey which focused on materials selections concerns of school media centers: (1) whether a materials selection policy exists that is approved by the school board; (2) number of library media specialists; (3) whether library media specialists feel external pressure regarding materials…